This is in praise of the Giants. They are starting a 4-game series tonight in San Diego against the Padres, the team that leads them in the standings of the NL West. This is a big series, might even be make or break. And it’s the first time in a long time the Giants are playing a meaningful series in September.

We ask a lot from our local teams. Mostly we ask them to win championships. But along the way to championships we ask them to play meaningful series late in the season when things get thrilling. The Giants are fulfilling that obligation right now.

I will be in Seattle this weekend with the 49ers. That also is a big game, the opener against the Seahawks. But I must admit I have conflicting feelings about this. I hate to miss a Niner opener. I also hate to miss the Giants/Padres series. So the Giants finally have given me a conflict and they’ve given lots of other writers conflicts. I praise them for putting us in that uncomfortable position.